This Methodology Determination (method) provides the rules for crediting emissions reductions for carbon sequestered in plantations, harvested wood products and permanent forests. Reductions achieved through eligible project activities can receive credits under the Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF).
Read the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative—Plantation Forestry) Methodology Determination 2022.
This method builds on and replaces the plantation forestry method (2017).
Using the method
To use this method and take part in the ERF, you need to apply to the Clean Energy Regulator. The Regulator develops the methods and manages project registration and compliance, and crediting emissions reductions for projects under the ERF.
Visit the Regulator’s website for:
- information on the method and how to use it
- project planning guidance, including eligibility requirements and how to apply.
The eligibility requirements include meeting conditions designed to help manage the effects of commercial tree plantings on water availability in locations where average annual rainfall exceeds 600 millimetres.
Projects can meet the conditions if they:
- have a suitable water access entitlement
- are in a region where the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water determines the relevant state or territory government is adequately implementing National Water Initiative commitments to manage water interception by plantations
- are in a region specified as one in which tree planting is unlikely to have a material adverse impact on water availability. The areas assessed and included in these initial maps are in the five pilot Regional Forestry Hubs created under the Australian Government’s National Forest Industries Plan.
- View the specified regions map [1.1MB PDF].
- View the maps' data layer on data.gov.au
Stakeholders considering a new project should note the specified regions may be updated from time to time.
- are in a region where a water access entitlement cannot be obtained, and they can be demonstrated (supported by advice from a state or territory agency) to not have a material impact on water availability or water access entitlements, or
- can be shown to help manage dryland salinity.
View the Salinity Guidelines [384 KB PDF] [90.6KB DOCX] for how to demonstrate the planting mitigates dryland salinity.
Consultation on the method
The Emissions Reduction Assurance Committee (ERAC) conducts public consultation before giving advice about making or varying a method. Once finalised the ERAC advises the Minister on whether the new or varied method meets the offsets integrity standards.
Read the ERAC’s advice to the Minister on making the method in 2021 [627KB PDF] [1.53MB DOCX].
See the public consultation and method draft on our Consultation hub.
Read more
- Read about the Emissions Reduction Fund, including our department’s role.
- Read about method development and available methods.
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